CE market is closely linked to the infrastructure sector and it will fluctuate based on the condition of the infra market. I commend the government for realising the role of improving infrastructure for the growth of the nation.

what is your expectation from the EXCON ’19?
We are launching four new variants in our current product ranges. We would love to understand the customers’ perspectives on our new variants and better understand their requirements. It is also a great platform to see where the CE industry is heading.

What are the new product launches you have planned for Excon 19?
This year we are expanding further into our product ranges of EarthMaster and the RoadMaster. Some of the products that we will be launching at Excon are a small motor grader and VFM small Backhoe Loader along with a few others.

How do you respond to the market, what are the USP of your products that allows you to stand tall?
We are committed to the development of India and we are launching new models tailored to the needs of the Indian customer. Our products focus on what is most important for our customers i.e. productivity, reliability and affordability. We are working on development of several products and they will be launched post detailed testing and validation.

Looking at the market opportunities, what are your focus areas?
As of now we are focusing on the smaller scale infrastructure market which has been overlooked so far by the Indian CE industry. We aim to provide effective and economical mechanisation for the developing infra sector in India.

In your view how the government policies can rejuvenate an ailing market for Construction Equipments?
CE market is closely linked to the infrastructure sector and it will fluctuate based on the condition of the infra market. I commend the government for realising the role of improving infrastructure for the growth of the nation. There are two actions by which the government can ensure the rejuvenation of the Infrastructure sector. Firstly, faster payment disbursals will free up the funds for contractors for further projects or expansion. Secondly, the stagnated projects need to be put on a fast-track and brought to a close before taking up new infrastructure projects. Once these concerns are addressed, the path to success for this mammoth project will be much clearer.

What is your current market share in the different product categories?
Our RoadMaster range has done well and we have over 20% market share in the Motor Grader segment. The EarthMaster is holding its ground in the BHL segment and we have maintained our market share despite the slowdown.

What is your view on the future of the Construciton Equipments in India?
There is still so much work to be done in India, especially in the Infrastructure sector. Firstly, most of the small scale and unorganised industry still relies on labour or uses outdated equipment. There is a huge potential there if we can understand the needs of the customer. Secondly,if you look at developed countries, US, Canada, UK, Germany etc. the infrastructure there is far more advanced, in terms of both reach and quality, and we are still playing catch-up. Be it in terms of improving the current road network, expanding the network, building smart cities, airports, and several mega-projects; the future of CE is definitely bright in India. n

Manish Arora, Business Head Construction Equipment Div
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd